NFL Predictions Week 5: Raiders and 3 Teams That Will Put Up a Mammoth Fight

"It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game."

Although this famous line may not ring true to some in the National Football League, there's no doubt that playing your heart out can eventually lead to success down the line.

Three teams in particular won't win in Week 5, but they'll show they are squads to be taken seriously.

The Oakland Raiders, who face the Houston Texans in Week 5, are one of these teams.

3. San Francisco 49ers (3-1)

I'm still not convinced by the 49ers' offense led by quarterback Alex Smith, but this team's defense is for real, sparked by improved linebacker play and a solid defensive line.

However, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I expect the 49ers to fall to Josh Freeman and Co. Freeman got back on track in Week 4, and this defensive line, complete with emerging rookie defensive end Adrian Clayborn, is really starting to show some strides.

You couple that with a solid Buccaneers secondary, and I see the 49ers not putting up enough points to beat the Buccaneers. That doesn't mean it won't be close in SF, however.

2. Buffalo Bills (3-1)

The Bills play the talented Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5.

I'm one of the few believers in the Eagles at this point in the season; I just don't see how this team can continue to under-perform with the talented veterans it has on its squad. 

I'm predicting a rebound performance from the Eagles against the Bills, but that doesn't mean the Bills won't put up a good fight.

The Bills are the epitome of a one-dimensional team. They score 33.3 points per game, fourth in the NFL, but they are ranked 25th in both opponents' passing yards per game and opponents' rushing yards per game. You can't sustain when you continue to give up that many yards, but I do believe in this team's offense.

1. Oakland Raiders (2-2)

The Oakland Raiders have been one of the season's biggest surprises, at least for me personally. I thought the loss of Nnamdi Asomugha, combined with the firing of head coach Tom Cable, would spell this team's doom.

But while the Raiders' secondary certainly isn't the same without Asomugha, it can hold its own most of the time, and running back Darren McFadden's transition from star to superstar gives this team a huge boost. You add in surprising rookie receiver Denarius Moore, and you have a respectable team.

However, I don't think the Raiders will have enough going up against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.